Laguna Blanca reached the title game of the Chadwick Volleyball Tournament and lost a 25-18 decision against Torrance High on Saturday.
The Owls went 4-1 in the tournament, which included a 25-17, 25-20 victory over Torrance in pool play. They also beat Whitney (25-22, 26-24) and Marshall (25-21, 25-12) in their pool and outlasted San Pedro in a one-game semifinal, 27-25.
Freddie Russell and Finn Walker were named to the all-tournament team. Russell had 28 kills and 10 digs on the day and Walker finished with 23 kills, 18 digs and 11 service aces. Devin Hernandez added 12 kills and five blocks.
“It was a really good day of volleyball for our young team, with lots of high-quality competition,” Laguna assitant coach Kat Niksto said. “Freddie was crushing the ball from the right side, and Miles (Sedlin) passed very consistently in serve receive all day long.”
The passing supported the setting of Jack Shiebler, who handed out 73 assists in the five matches. He also had 18 digs and five aces. Sedlin had 16 digs and a passing average of 2.25.
“Jack was a leader on and off the court and worked hard in the setting position, while Finn had his jump serve dialed in to rack up double digit aces on the day,” said Niksto.
“In the finals, a little bit of nerves got the best of us and we didn’t play our best,” she added. “But it’s a learning experience and, hopefully, if put in that situation again, the outcome will be different.”
The Owls open Tri-Valley League play Tuesday night at Foothill Tech.